You want to know who a true hero is? It's not Peyton Manning, Miguel Cabrera or Lebron James, because those guys have nothing on Tim."

HUDSON, MI — Marine Staff Sgt. Timothy S. Williams owns a Silver Star, the third-highest medal in the U.S. armed forces, but the war hero was overcome with emotions at an assembly honoring him at his alma mater.

Williams, 33, graduated from Hudson High School in 1999, and was a two-time all-state wrestler, 1,500-yard rusher and won league titles for both the football and wrestling teams as its captain.

The Marine was awarded the Silver Star on Jan. 7 at Camp Pendleton for saving his team leader's life while deployed in Afghanistan.

Staff Sgt. Jason Pennock had his femur shattered by enemy fire that knocked him into a canal full of water.

Williams ran across 300 yards of open field through gunfire, performed first aid on Pennock, picked him up and carried him back to the medical zone before returning to action.

"This is an incredible honor, and I'm a little overwhelmed by all of this," he said. "Growing up in Hudson taught me to always surround yourself with the best people.

"No matter where I was, high school, the United States Navy or in the Marines, this is always something I looked to do."

The gymnasium was packed with students and teachers as speakers shared their memories of Williams.

One of the speakers was Hudson football coach Chris Luma, who coached Williams in the 1998 and 1999 seasons.

"This is no surprise to me at all that Tim was able to accomplish these things," Luma said. "You want to know who a true hero is? It's not Peyton Manning, Miguel Cabrera or Lebron James, because those guys have nothing on Tim.

"I'm proud to say that I know a true hero."

In addition to the Silver Star, Williams received the Purple Heart after he was injured by a roadside bomb while in Afghanistan.

Lawrence presented Williams with a plaque commemorating the event and listing his many military achievements.

This event only marked the beginning of Williams' week as he will serve as grand marshal of the Memorial Day parade at 9:30 a.m. Monday, May 26, and U.S. Rep Tim Walberg, R-Tipton, will speak on his behalf at a community assembly at noon.